At least 30 people were killed in a new wave of violence in Haiti when a powerful gang coalition attacked the farming community of Kenscoff, south of the capital Port-au-Prince, on Sunday evening local time. The incident occurred as the Caribbean nation hopes to hold its first general election in more than a decade.
Kenscoff Mayor Jean Massillon said the gunmen “spread chaos” as they set fire to homes and killed residents. He said the attackers targeted a church and several houses, including that of Jean William Pape, a leading public health expert.
Mayor Massillon blamed members of the Viv Ansanm group, which was designated a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government last year. Gangs now control about 70% of Port-au-Prince. Viv Ansanm has repeatedly attacked Kenscoff, a strategically positioned area overlooking routes into Petion-Ville, home to many embassies, upscale hotels, and the temporary seat of government.
A UN-backed gang-fighting force tasked with assisting police against gangs and restoring order has yet to reach its planned capacity of 5,500 members. According to the UN, gang violence has displaced 1.5 million people across Haiti. Violence persists despite containment efforts. More than 3,100 people were killed and 1,189 wounded from January to June, as gangs continue to terrorize Port-au-Prince, drawing international concern since last year.
Haiti's Prime Minister's Office on Monday condemned the “brutal attack” and sought to reassure the public that security forces are on high alert and reinforcements are being deployed. “Kenscoff will not be abandoned,” the statement said. “The authority of the state will be reestablished, without weakness and without delay.”
Haitians have registered to vote in elections scheduled for January, but experts warn it is currently too dangerous to hold the vote unless security improves.
